City extend deal with keeper who hasn't played a game in almost four years?!
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 12.04.26. | 22:22
Marcus Bettinelli's impact on the Cityzens' locker room is apparently so vital that it earned him a new one-year contract
Once Scott Carson and now Marcus Bettinelli!
Manchester City obviously need an experienced goalkeeper who won't play much but will be vital for the locker room atmosphere.
When Carson left the club on June 9, 2025 - four months later, the 40-year-old retired - the Cityzens reacted quickly, and just a day later, they splurged €2.4 million and brought in Bettinelli from Chelsea.
The 33-year-old signed a one-year contract and has yet to debut for Pep Guardiola's team. Given that the positions of the first two choices belong to Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford, he'll hardly get minutes anytime soon.
In fact, Bettinelli last played an official match on August 26, 2022, for Chelsea U-21 against Man City U-21 in the Premier League 2. In the following almost four years, he made just one appearance - in a friendly game between the Blues and Aston Villa in December 2022.
Nevertheless, it didn't stop the Cityzens from extending the goalie's deal for another year two days ago!
Apparently, his impact on the team's locker room has been so pivotal that it earned him an extension, which City somewhat confirmed in a statement on their official website, claiming that "Bettinelli has provided vital support and competition for Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford."
The club's Director of Football, Hugo Viana, also praised Bettinelli's influence.
“Marcus has been a really good signing for us."
“He’s a top goalkeeper and a brilliant person. He’s brought ideas and energy to our goalkeeping department and we are delighted he is staying for longer."
Marcus Bettinelli has signed a one-year contact extension, keeping him at the Club until the summer of 2027 ✍️🩵 pic.twitter.com/wPVMg3m61D
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 10, 2026
“It’s vital for any top club to have a thriving goalkeeping department and Marcus is a big part of ours," the Portuguese said.
The custodian himself did not try to hide his delight after the signature.
“It’s a great feeling knowing I’ll be at Manchester City for another season. It’s a real privilege to be here and I’m learning so much every day," he stated.
Throughout his career, Bettinelli left the biggest mark at Fulham, and also played for the lower-league sides Dartford, Accrington Stanley, and Middlesbrough.
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32
Friday
West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)
/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/
Saturday
Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)
/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/
Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)
/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/
Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)
/Wieffer 43, 89/
Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)
/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/
Sunday
Crystal Palace - Newcastle 2-1 (0-1)
/Mateta 80, 90+4 pen - Osula 43/
Nottingham Forest - Aston Villa 1-1 (1-1)
/Williams 38 - Murillo 23 og/
Sunderland - Tottenham 1-0 (0-0)
/Mukiele 61/
Chelsea - Manchester City 0-3 (0-0)
/O'Reilly 51, Guehi 57, Doku 68/
Monday
22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)
***odds are subject to change***